Lloris insists France are focused on Spain after 'normal' reaction to Sweden loss

Jun 22, 2012 4:19:00 PM

The goalkeeper says rumours of unrest following defeat against Erik Hamren's team were nothing new and urges his team-mates to give everything for the cause

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has shrugged off suggestions of unrest in the Bleus camp following their 2-0 loss to Sweden, insisting that Laurent Blanc's team are fully focused on their upcoming quarter-final against Spain.

Some members of the France team reportedly reacted angrily after the defeat against the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired Swedes in their final Group D fixture, leaving questions hanging over morale levels ahead of the knock-out stage.

Lloris has moved to silence the speculation, however, assuring fans that the players' disappointment was normal and simply a demonstration of the character of the French players.

"In our group, there is a lot of character, and so it is normal to react like that," Lloris told reporters. "How we have moved on since then has been positive.

	FRENCH FRUSTRATION FOR SPAIN?
13/2	France are 13/2 with Bet365 to beat Spain to nil

"Each player reacted in their own way after the Sweden game. Since Wednesday we've all been focused on our recovery work and preparation for this match against Spain."

The Lyon goalkeeper admitted that France must play better to stand a chance against Spain, acknowledging that he was made to work harder than he has grown used to against Sweden.

Lloris also urged his team-mates to forget about themselves and do their best for the team as a whole against Vicente del Bosque's defending champions.

"Against Sweden I had more work than usual," Lloris revealed. "Against Spain, everyone will have to put themselves at the service of the collective effort of the team.

"We will give 100 per cent to take our chance. We must get out of the game feeling like we have given everything."

Finally, Lloris conceded that it would be a boost to receive more local support in Poland and Ukraine, but denied that it would be a decisive factor in determining France's success.

"We would like more local support but it is a secondary consideration," Lloris finished.

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